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- Tasks: Lead and support a dedicated team in fostering, ensuring positive outcomes for children.
- Company: Join Orange Grove, a compassionate organisation with nearly 30 years of fostering experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, car allowance, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in fostering and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 45500 £ per year.
Location: Staffordshire
Salary: £39,000 - £45,500 per annum, dependent upon experience
Benefits:
- £3,000 car allowance
- 30 days' annual leave (increasing to 35 days with length of service) plus Bank Holidays
- Company pension
- Life assurance x2
- Employee discount scheme
- Medical cash plan
About Us
Orange Grove was founded in 1996 by two social workers who understood that strong relationships held the key to successful fostering. As with all families, relationships matter; they provide a stable platform for growth, which is why we commit time, effort and resources into nurturing them. We do this for the children in our care and foster families by getting to know them, treating them individually and tailoring support to their needs. We value our staff and build strong, positive relationships with local authorities and partners so we can work effectively together. This has been at the heart of our philosophy since we were established nearly 30 years ago.
Requirements
Orange Grove Staffordshire is currently seeking a qualified and experienced social worker with considerable experience of working with children looked after and foster parents. The successful applicant should have a good understanding of relevant legislation, regulations and fostering standards. This role will promote a culture across the organisation that recognises the impact of trauma, abuse and neglect on children and young people. The successful candidate will demonstrate a thorough understanding of trauma-informed approaches and their application within fostering services. Supervisory or management experience within a social work setting is desirable to support and promote the effective functioning of the service. You will need strong leadership skills, a desire to make a difference and the ability to work autonomously, whilst working effectively as part of a team. Safeguarding knowledge is essential and you will be expected to demonstrate this throughout the role. You will need excellent communication skills and the ability to build, maintain and develop positive working relationships with children, young people, foster parents and professionals, both internal and external to the organisation. There is also a requirement to work occasional evenings and weekends where required.
Hold a Social Care England recognised qualification in Social Work or equivalent. Experience of working with children and young people, including children looked after. A comprehensive working knowledge of relevant legislation supporting fostering and children looked after. A full driving licence with unrestricted access to your own car.
Role Responsibilities
- Support and deputise for the Registered Manager as required.
- Supervise team members as determined by the Registered Manager.
- Support, supervise and promote foster parents to reach their full potential.
- Monitor, promote and ensure compliance with foster parents and staff.
- Work in partnership with children, young people, foster parents, applicants and professionals to ensure safeguarding and positive outcomes for children.
You will be working in a committed and compassionate team that puts children and young people at the heart of everything we do. The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check; the cost of which will be met by Orange Grove. Orange Grove is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Principal Social Worker - Fostering in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Orange Grove Foster Care
Contact Detail:
Orange Grove Foster Care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Social Worker - Fostering in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with fostering. They might know about openings or can give you a heads-up on what Orange Grove is really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on trauma-informed approaches and relevant legislation. We want you to show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about making a difference in children's lives.
✨Tip Number 3
When you get that interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported foster parents and children in your previous roles. We love hearing real stories that demonstrate your skills and commitment!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people at Orange Grove. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Social Worker - Fostering in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with fostering and working with children. We want to see how your skills align with our values and the specific requirements of the Principal Social Worker role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves supervising team members, don’t forget to mention any relevant leadership or management experience you have. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and support others, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Trauma-Informed Approaches: We value a thorough understanding of trauma-informed practices in fostering services. Be sure to include any training or experiences that showcase your knowledge in this area, as it’s crucial for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orange Grove Foster Care
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on relevant legislation and fostering standards before the interview. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed approaches, as this will show your understanding of the role and its impact on children and young people.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your supervisory or management experience. Think about times when you've successfully led a team or supported foster parents, as this will demonstrate your ability to promote effective functioning within the service.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Use your excellent communication skills to engage them in conversation, showing that you can develop positive working relationships with children, foster parents, and professionals alike.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and safeguarding knowledge. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them, showcasing your critical thinking and decision-making skills.